The Westchester County District Attorney’s Office (WCDAO) is committed to supporting all victims of crime with the information and guidance they require to understand their role in the prosecution of an offender without regard for their immigration status or proficiency with speaking the English language.
As the WCDAO recognizes that undocumented residents may unjustifiably feel reluctant to cooperate with law enforcement authorities due to their immigration status, we will continue to provide educational outreach to our vulnerable communities to assist undocumented residents avoid becoming the victims of crimes which are targeted toward them due to their undocumented status.
The WCDAO does year-round community outreach through education and advocacy on predatory crimes directed at undocumented residents, including crimes related to discrimination, safe work conditions, lawful wages and housing rights. All undocumented residents, whether crime victims or witnesses, must be made aware that speaking with the WCDAO and police will have no negative impact upon their immigration status.
The WCDAO is committed to ensuring that our undocumented residents understand that the protections of due process and equal protection embodied in our Constitution apply to every person, without regard for their immigration status.
The WCDAO will work to ensure that all of our community members, including undocumented residents, are made aware of their rights to be treated fairly and equally under the criminal justice system.
- The WCDAO will investigate and prosecute individuals or businesses that illegally victimize undocumented residents through many types of crime, including those involving discrimination and violations of safe work conditions, lawful wages and housing rights.
- The WCDAO encourages all undocumented residents, including both victims and witnesses, to cooperate with the WCDAO and the police.
- When asked and where appropriate, the WCDAO will provide legally eligible and appropriate witnesses/victims with guidance regarding the process required for obtaining U-Visas.
Although the WCDAO is not legally capable of issuing U-Visas and changing a person’s Immigration status, the WCDAO can aid in the U-Visa process by reviewing certification requests of the Form I-918B for individuals who have been victims of certain crimes in Westchester County. To qualify for certification, the victim must be fully cooperative in the investigation or prosecution of a case handled by the WCDAO, and must be a victim of a qualifying criminal activity as defined by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Please note, signing the Form I-918B does not grant immigration status. Eligibility is determined by USCIS.
To request certification, please forward a letter, along with an executed G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, to:
Office of the Westchester County District Attorney
Attn: U-Visa Coordinator
111 Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, 5th floor
White Plains, NY 10601